7 April 2026·3 min read
How to read your own draft
It’s hard to read a familiar draft without filling in what you meant to put there.
When a passage is familiar, you may remember the intention as much as you read the words. That can make missing context or an awkward transition hard to notice.
A little distance helps. Here are two things to try.
Time
Set the draft aside for a while if your schedule allows. A few weeks may give you more distance than a day or two, but there’s no interval that works for everyone.
Come back when the sentences feel a little less familiar, and notice what surprises you.
A pen, and no judgement
Read once at your usual reading speed and mark where your attention changes. Notice where you skim, where you’re confused and where you want to keep going.
Try leaving the fixes for a later pass. First collect your reactions; then look for what in the text might explain them.
Read more
These books explore the ideas in more detail, with examples you can try in your own work.
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers · Renni Browne & Dave King
Practical advice from two editors, with examples of how a passage can change in revision.
On Writing · Stephen King
A memoir of writing alongside advice on drafting and revision.
Stein on Writing · Sol Stein
Practical guidance on revision, with exercises to try on a draft.
For feedback on your own draft, Karlove offers a letter with examples from your pages, reviewed by Aksel before it's sent.
Stuck on your own draft?
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